Unless I See
Second Sunday of Easter (B)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 20: 19-31 - On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Unless I see the nailmarks in His hands…I will not believe.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Thomas is a wonderful representation of the modern “educated” man. He must see and touch, have proof through his senses, before he believes. This is how we have been falsely taught to think today. We have been taught that we must prove everything through the scientific method, and that if we can’t prove something by testing it, then it cannot be real, or knowable, or reliable. This lie is harmful to education. And worse, it is harmful to souls. Often, the most important things cannot be tested. But they are, indeed, very real.
Jesus is very gentle with Thomas. He lets Thomas put his hands in His wounds. So Thomas believes. Jesus is also very gentle with us. He lets us touch Him in the Eucharist. All the Sacraments have a physical component, as well as a spiritual one. Through them we experience Christ with our senses. The Resurrection, also, is not just a spiritual event. It is both a physical and a spiritual event. God isn’t just saving our souls, but also our bodies. Nevertheless, we need to grow as comfortable in the spiritual realm (the realm of things not seen) as we are in the physical realm (where we can see, taste, and touch). For Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” In prayer, beg God to improve the vision of our spiritual eyes, so we will be blessed.
And let us remember, it is still Easter! We should joyfully continue our jubilant celebration.
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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